Senior Counsel, Litigation
About The Position
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation, with global operations spanning motion picture and television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group includes Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics, and Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world, including Left Bank Pictures, Bad Wolf and Eleven. SPE is seeking an experienced and strategic lawyer to join our top-notch in-house litigation team to help support these divisions. This role will manage a diverse docket of disputes worldwide relating to a leading entertainment company, including our film, television, and streaming businesses. The Senior Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to internal business partners, handle pre-litigation claims, litigate and resolve cases and collaborate with outside counsel while driving practical, business-aligned litigation strategies.
Requirements
- J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California strongly preferred).
- 8+ years of complex civil litigation experience at a nationally recognized law firm and/or entertainment-related inhouse legal department.
- In-depth knowledge of the business and legal environment within the entertainment industry, in order to effectively represent the company in legal proceedings.
- Familiarity with some or all of the subject areas above.
- Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel and controlling litigation budgets.
- Strong strategic judgment and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
- Practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Excellent business judgment and ability to advise business executives.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to develop new areas of expertise and integrate technological tools as business needs change.
- Excellent verbal, written, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proactively handle multiple priorities and exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, time management skills.
- High level of professional and personal integrity.
- The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
- Proven ability to develop strong relationships with and earn the respect and trust of key stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Manage all phases of litigation and prelitigation matters (both affirmative and defensive), in state and federal court, arbitrations, and mediations, including early case assessment, defending/enforcing claims, pleadings, motion practice, discovery, depositions, trial preparation, settlement, and appeal.
- Analyze claims, conduct fact investigations and legal research, formulate strategy, draft and edit letters, pleadings, briefs, declarations, discovery demands, responses and settlement agreements, assist the e-discovery team, collect and review documents.
- Supervise and partner closely with outside counsel; establish strategy, staffing, and budget parameters.
- Provide advice and counseling on and handle litigation relating to various subjects including: Copyright, trademark, unfair competition and rightofpublicity disputes, Defamation and First Amendment claims, Contract and production/distribution-related claims, Consumer, privacy, and class action claims, Profit participation and accounting disputes, Personal injury cases, Enforcement of licenses, Commercial leasing matters, and Third-party subpoenas
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
